The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(196-200)

Chapter 196: Teaching Through Torment

After two days of intensive torment-style learning, the male group finally managed to stir-fry chestnuts that looked decent.

They weren't burnt, but they still didn't meet the standards.

Xiao Cheng glanced at their chestnuts without even tasting them, just giving them a curt evaluation.

Not meeting the stall's standards would harm the reputation of the sugar-fried chestnuts, and the male group understood this.

However, in an atmosphere devoid of encouragement and filled only with cutting remarks, achieving the essence of sugar-fried chestnuts at the fastest pace acceptable to the accomplished individuals was truly challenging.

They couldn't do it!

On the other side, in the rotation of frying chestnuts, under Bai Lu's one-on-one guidance, everyone in the female group, except for Wang Cuihua, could now fry chestnuts without burning them.

But they were still a bit short of reaching the qualified standard.

The slight shortfall was expressed by Bai Lu as a gentle encouragement, understood by Wu Xiuyun and others, motivating them to put in double the effort.

Just moments before sunset, both the male and female groups were exhausted, but they finally met the stall's standards.

Bai Lu gave a thumbs up to everyone in the female group, praising generously, "Impressive! The sugar-fried chestnuts are delicious and have met the standards for starting a profitable business."

Wu Xiuyun, Wu Fangli, and Zhang Huiru were overjoyed, returning the compliments, "Well taught, Teacher Bai Lu!"

Wang Cuihua, learning the slowest and least proficient, progressed from nine out of ten times burning to eight, seven, six times.

The taste barely passed, just reaching the acceptable level.

However, Bai Lu advised her to continue practicing at home. Once she could successfully fry chestnuts eight out of ten times, the taste would catch up. She could get the chestnuts from Bai Lu and buy the chestnut boards by weight.

Wang Cuihua was not pleased at all, feeling that Bai Lu was making things difficult for her. She wanted to learn from Big Brother Xiao Cheng.

However, at this moment, Xiao Cheng was cold-faced, succinctly commenting on the male group's hard-earned achievements.

"Qualified."

Just two words.

Chen Dafu and others almost teared up with joy. The stressful and nervous feeling had reached their throats, finally settling down. A group of big men hugged each other.

It was really not easy!

Getting a simple "qualified" from the accomplished individual was exceptionally challenging!

High demands that ordinary people couldn't meet – only monstrous geniuses could match the accomplished individual's one-pass standard.

Bai Lu poured tea for everyone, starting with Xiao Cheng. Side by side, they raised their cups, substituting tea for alcohol, to congratulate, "Congratulations, everyone, on successfully completing the training."

The male and female groups raised their cups in return, "Thanks for Teacher's guidance."

"Brother Cheng."

Just as Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng were about to see everyone off, a male voice suddenly rang out from the crowd. Those gathered around the stove immediately made way, revealing the figure.

A tall and thin, square-faced man – Lu Shi. He sat at the same table with Bai Lu during the celebration of Wen Xiuyun and Yu Fugui's new house, later joining the ranks of selling sugar-fried chestnuts. He was one of the business partners.

Xiao Cheng spoke indifferently, "Any more questions?"

Lu Shi had been holding back some words since yesterday, and it seemed he couldn't hold back any longer, about to leave Xiao Cheng's house.

"Brother Cheng, that pot on the stove, can it also fry chestnuts?" Lu Shi pointed to the pot at the end of the stove.

His tone was cautious and filled with anticipation.

Yu Fugui and others, upon hearing this, all followed Lu Shi's pointed direction and walked over.

Seeing the structure inside the pot, their eyes widened instantly. After careful exploration, their expressions changed from curiosity to excitement.

Chen Dafu, being closest to the situation as the brother-in-law of Chen Chunli, Wang Hao's wife, and having the closest relationship with Wang Hao, felt the pulse of the situation. He asked the question everyone was dying to know.

"Brother Cheng, there are movable blade pieces in this pot, and there's even an electric plug on the side. The pot is quite deep, and if you sniff carefully, there's a faint scent of scorching. It's just like the aroma of sugar-fried chestnuts. Is this an automatic chestnut-frying machine? A motorized stir-fryer, isn't it?"

Everyone present, being business people with sharp eyes, immediately saw through the true nature of the electric chestnut-frying machine.

After scrutinizing and confirming, they were certain that the pot on the stove was indeed an electric chestnut-frying machine.

All eyes turned to Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu.

"That's correct," Bai Lu, no longer selling sugar-fried chestnuts, had no reason to conceal it anymore.

"This is an electric chestnut-frying machine made by Ah Cheng, not available on the market."

"Where can we buy it?" Yu Fugui, taking advantage of his good relationship with Wu Xiuyun and Bai Lu, directly asked the key question.

As soon as these words came out, others immediately sensed the business opportunity.

Lu Shi preemptively spoke, "From what I know, neither the county nor my place of residence has this kind of machine for sale. I've been to the southern city before, and I haven't seen it in the appliance stores there. The machinery factory also doesn't have such a thing. But I want to buy it."

"I want to buy it too!"

The electric chestnut-frying machine was much easier than manual frying. Wang Cuihua had the least skill in handling things, so she had to be the first to snatch it. "Big Brother Xiao Cheng, where can we buy this machine?"

With the machine, there would be no need for manual work. The production and sales volume would definitely skyrocket. Zhang Huiru and her husband instantly had the idea of opening a branch store. "We want to buy too."

"Teacher Bai Lu, where can we buy the electric chestnut-frying machine?"

"We also want the electric chestnut-frying machine."

For a moment, the electric chestnut-frying machine became the center of attention and was eagerly grabbed by everyone.

Bai Lu looked at Xiao Cheng beside her, who remained expressionless. Instead, she turned to the excited and expectant crowd.

"Brother Cheng made the electric chestnut-frying machine. It's not available on the market."

"This..."

What is falling from heaven to hell, then being acidified in hell, the male and female groups fully experienced it at this moment. This electric chestnut-frying machine, created by the accomplished individual, wasn't available for sale.

But thinking it over, Bai Lu wasn't selling sugar-fried chestnuts anymore. She could sell the electric chestnut-frying machine!

"Teacher Bai Lu, I want to buy your family's electric chestnut-frying machine. How much is it?"
























Chapter 197: Jealousy

The others, realizing that Bai Lu fried so many chestnuts every morning, suspected she must have more than one chestnut roasting machine.

Expressing their desire to buy electric chestnut roasters, their excitement blinded them to Xiao Cheng's darkening expression.

Bai Lu, noticing, quickly explained, "We still need our electric roasters; they're not for sale."

Lu Shi wanted to negotiate, "You surely have more than one electric roaster with the amount of chestnuts you fry daily. If not this one, I'll buy another."

"I want one too," said Wang Cuihua, and Chen Dafu followed suit.

These two, one was the deceased husband of Bai Lu's brother, and the other was Bai Lu's sister-in-law. Given their relationships, they would get priority.

Amidst the disappointment of others, Bai Lu firmly refused their offers, sensing Xiao Cheng's deepening displeasure.

"Our electric roasters are still in use, not for sale. The sun is setting; everyone, go home and prepare dinner. Remember to gather here at 7 am tomorrow."

With a reluctant farewell, they left, understanding Xiao Cheng's mood. It was better to prioritize life than argue for an electric chestnut roaster.

Closing the door, Bai Lu gave Xiao Cheng an apologetic smile, "Alright, alright, don't be angry. I won't sell the electric roaster you gave me; it's a gift from you, and I promised to cherish it. I won't break my word."

Looking at the girl's obedient and bright smile, Xiao Cheng's gloomy expression reluctantly improved.

Bai Lu decisively pulled his sleeve, "Let's go back and cook. Suddenly, I'm craving hot and sour shredded potatoes. What do you feel like eating?"

Xiao Cheng's face brightened without a trace of gloom, "Anything is fine."

"What do you mean 'anything'? How about I make sweet and sour cabbage for you? Sweet and sour fish? Sweet and sour ribs? Sweet and sour pork? Sweet and sour crispy tofu? Sweet and sour eggplant..."

"Why all sweet and sour?"

"You like sugar... and vinegar! Ate it yesterday, eating it today, so naturally, we'll eat it every day."

The dusk descended, lingering in the twilight, and the town lit up with a festive atmosphere. The aroma of meals filled the streets and alleys.

The best thing in the world is to go home and eat, to eat with family, savoring simple meals filled with love.

The worst thing in the world is a power outage.

"Did the light bulb burn out?"

Bai Lu, with a piece of sweet and sour ribs in her chopsticks, saw the sudden darkness and thought the light bulb had blown.

Xiao Wei, unfazed, said, "Power outage."

Saying that, he got up to fetch candles with ease, but before he took a step, the bright candlelight returned with his footsteps, landing on the table.

The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow, illuminating the delicious dishes on the table and the surprised face of the girl.

Xiao Cheng explained, "The flashlight's batteries are dead. I'll buy new ones after dinner."

"No need," Bai Lu said, "candles are enough, and the shops won't be open at night."

It was the '90s, and the town didn't have night streets; going out would be in vain.

Of course, if Xiao Cheng insisted on waking up shopkeepers to do business, they would comply.

Bai Lu thought candlelit dinners were quite nice, sparing the big brother from scaring children outside.

Probably a faulty line somewhere, and maintenance should fix it soon.

Or not.

Dinner finished, but the power was still out.

Even after a shower, the power remained off.

Having just bought a television, they were now confined to listening to it.

Bai Lu, uninterested in TV, sat in the yard, gazing at the moon and stars, feeling the gentle evening breeze.

The candlelight was dim, not suitable for reading; eyes and books alike needed a break.

Pity for Xiao Wei, who hadn't finished his homework, set up a small table next to Bai Lu, lit a candle, and diligently worked on math problems.

Still, Bai Lu was sympathetic. Math required more brainpower than copying language passages.

Xiao Wei's eyes were overworked.

Bai Lu thought about offering help but changed her mind upon seeing a passing figure.

"Ah Cheng."

Xiao Cheng paused, explaining, "I'm going to buy batteries."

Of course, Bai Lu knew his intention, but she said, "There's something I want to tell you."

With Xiao Wei around, Bai Lu seldom brought up unpleasant matters or disagreements.

Xiao Cheng, about to step out, changed direction, nonchalantly returning.

Bai Lu had already prepared a seat, pulling him down. "Xiao Wei is struggling with his math homework. Can you help him out?"

Xiao Wei, head buried in his assignment, looked up, puzzled, glancing between Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng.

"My homework isn't..." Before Xiao Wei could finish, Bai Lu shot him a cool look.

"You said the math problem earlier was difficult. Hurry, bring it here, and let your brother help you understand."

Xiao Cheng, originally planning to leave, was now stuck. Bai Lu had used "we" to suggest his involvement.

Xiao Wei reluctantly passed his half-solved math problem to Xiao Cheng, who, after a moment, furrowed his brows.

"Can't figure out such a simple problem?"

Xiao Wei didn't dare to speak.

Bai Lu, defending her little flower, said, "Don't use an adult's perspective to judge a child's world. You've learned it, so naturally, it seems easy. Xiao Wei just started this unit; the teacher hasn't finished teaching, how could he understand such profound problems?"

Xiao Wei thought Bai Lu was too smart; she knew everything.

Xiao Cheng glanced at the little bald head, already working on a partially solved question. "Can't solve such a simple problem?"
























Chapter 198: Big Shot's Persuasion

Xiao Wei dared not utter a word.

Bai Lu had already been discussing problems with Xiao Cheng.

"I admit your problem-solving approach is correct and clear, unprecedented. But Xiao Wei has just entered the second grade. Using methods beyond elementary school level might make him seem like a child prodigy, attracting special attention from the teacher."

Bai Lu felt Xiao Cheng was intentionally making things difficult for Xiao Wei and, consequently, for Xiao Wei's teacher.

The suggestion was tactfully rejected, and Xiao Cheng didn't argue. Instead, he proposed another solution.

Bai Lu rejected it again, saying, "Your process is too complicated; Xiao Wei won't understand."

Xiao Wei: "... Just pretend I'm not here."

Xiao Cheng proposed another problem-solving method, only to be rejected by Bai Lu once more, repeatedly.

He gave up, saying, "You tell me how to solve it."

"I only know how to calculate the answers; I haven't learned how to explain to kids." Bai Lu looked innocent.

Her bright eyes were also full of innocence.

Xiao Cheng couldn't resist and pinched her cheek. After realizing what he did, he casually brushed a strand of hair blown onto her face by the evening breeze back behind her ear.

Solemnly, he said, "I'll think about it."

After thinking, he started explaining, ignoring the stunned Bai Lu.

Xiao Wei listened with great interest. There's a difference between understanding a problem on the surface and comprehensively understanding it.

The problems he prepared himself, even if the answers were correct, he couldn't apply them flexibly.

Xiao Cheng's problem-solving approach was indeed complex, but it covered a broad spectrum. Xiao Wei had an epiphany; he felt like he could solve a hundred more problems.

After explaining the assignment, Xiao Cheng also covered the next unit's topics. Xiao Wei grasped it instantly.

Bai Lu confirmed once again that these two brothers' intelligence and talents far exceeded their peers, standing at the top among them.

One understood immediately, the other mastered at a glance—simply extraordinary.

The consequence of being extraordinary was finishing homework quickly.

Xiao Wei was not satisfied; he thought he should be a bit slower. Finishing the assignment abruptly silenced his big brother.

The wall clock chimed nine times.

It was already nine o'clock without them noticing.

"Alright, it's late. Go to bed." Bai Lu stood up and stretched lazily, showing signs of weariness.

Xiao Cheng handed a candle from Xiao Wei's desk to her. "You go to sleep first."

"Aren't you two sleeping yet?" Bai Lu took the candle, finding it hard to believe these two brothers made such rapid progress after solving just one problem.

Was this an all-night discussion?

Xiao Wei, still tidying up his books, was taken aback when his candle was taken away. Did big brother take his candle?

Did big brother give his candle to big sister-in-law?

He thought the tone improved when discussing problems just now. Why the partiality again?

Xiao Cheng glanced at Xiao Wei, who was busy packing up. "We still have something to discuss."

Bai Lu, slightly surprised by his serious tone, couldn't help but advise, "Don't bully Xiao Wei."

Before Xiao Cheng could reply, Xiao Wei earnestly interjected, "Big brother won't bully me. Big sister-in-law, rest assured."

Xiao Cheng also gave Bai Lu a reassuring look, implying he wouldn't mistreat Xiao Wei.

Bai Lu, recalling the cheek-pinching incident, quickly touched Xiao Cheng's head and then Xiao Wei's head. Feeling balanced, she went back to her room satisfied.

"I'll go to sleep now. You guys sleep early too. Goodnight."

Xiao Cheng: "..."

Xiao Wei: "..."

Were they ambushed?

Or were they ambushed?

Watching the gentle figure disappear into the room under the moonlight, the joyful and relaxed atmosphere also disappeared.

Xiao Wei got nervous, instinctively straightening his back. He didn't know where to put his hands, fidgeted with his clothes, then put his hands under the table, and started pinching his fingers.

Xiao Cheng, withdrawing his gaze from where Bai Lu disappeared, looked at the small figure bowing his head.

He cleared his throat and casually asked, "What do I do when I'm drunk?"

Xiao Wei's heart suddenly stopped. So, it wasn't about something he did wrong; big brother wasn't here to blame him.

Just asking a simple question.

Xiao Wei answered honestly, "You vomit."

In the past, when Xiao Cheng came home drunk, he often vomited into the yard's broken pot, flooding Xiao Wei's planted ginger and green onions.

Or he vomited in the yard, and Xiao Wei would sneakily hide behind the door, waiting to clean up once Xiao Cheng returned to his room.

Although not frequent, those memories were deep. Xiao Wei wouldn't forget anything about his big brother.

Unfortunately, Xiao Cheng often had no memory after getting drunk. Now he wanted to know something other than vomiting.

"In addition to vomiting, what else?"

Xiao Wei didn't quite understand Xiao Cheng's meaning.

He sneakily glanced up, noticing that Xiao Cheng occasionally looked in the direction of the room where Bai Lu disappeared. Suddenly, everything made sense.

Big brother wanted to know what he did to big sister-in-law after getting drunk.

Xiao Wei recalled for a moment and answered seriously, "Before, when you came home drunk, you would wash without taking off your clothes. Every time, big sister-in-law had to bring you clothes. She said it's not good to bathe when drunk, asking you to wait until the next day. You wouldn't listen and insisted on bathing. Big sister-in-law had to pour hot water for you."

Xiao Wei's description was straightforward and honest.

Xiao Cheng's expression went from slightly relieved to slightly surprised, then furrowed: "Insisted on bathing?"

Xiao Wei quickly changed the adjective, "Absolutely insisted."

Xiao Cheng reluctantly accepted this description and skipped to the next question: "How did she react at that time?"

Xiao Wei had gotten used to his big brother's straightforward way of speaking, understanding what he wanted to know.

He truthfully replied, "I don't know if big sister-in-law was angry. I didn't hear her scold you or see her hit you. I only saw her finding clothes for you."

"Her tone when talking to you was also very gentle, as if coaxing a child."

Xiao Cheng's face went from slightly relieved to slightly surprised, then wrinkled again: "What do you mean by her tone when talking to me?"

Xiao Wei finally understood why Bai Lu made vinegar-glazed cabbage, sweet and sour spare ribs, etc., for dinner tonight.

Big brother was really good at being jealous.

"I said it wrong. It's big sister-in-law's tone when talking to me, like her tone when talking to you."

Xiao Cheng reluctantly accepted this wording, and with a calm face, he asked, "Anything else?"

Xiao Wei thought for a moment, "That night, after big sister-in-law picked you and Hao ge up from the city, when you came back, you sent Chen Chunli home. When you came back with big sister-in-law on your back, she found out about your injury and brought you back."

"After coming home, big sister-in-law found out and got very angry. She applied medicine to your back with quite a bit of force."

"You said, 'LuLu, be gentle.' Speaking of which, your voice changed as if I couldn't believe it but had to believe it: 'LuLu, it hurts...'"

Xiao Cheng couldn't believe he spoke so explicitly, so vulnerably.

His cool gaze was fixed on Xiao Wei, "Speak honestly. Did you see it with your own eyes, or did you hear it with your own ears?"























Chapter 199: I'm Here

Xiao Wei's dirty little heart trembled as he nervously pinched his fingers and weakly spoke, "I accidentally saw it when I went to the bathroom."

Xiao Cheng glanced at him indifferently, silent and profound eyes making it impossible for anyone to stare.

Xiao Wei's dirty heart trembled again, lowering his head to pretend he knew nothing. He wouldn't reveal the truth.

In the past, his parents used to argue and fight frequently, and after the fights, they would disappear, never to return.

Xiao Wei was afraid that Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu would also argue, fight, and eventually disappear.

Every time he heard slightly louder noises outside or the sound of the door opening, Xiao Wei would subconsciously run outside, open a gap in the door, and peek.

Fortunately, his sister-in-law was a very gentle person. She never yelled or fought with his big brother.

She even coaxed his big brother like she would with a child.

His sister-in-law was truly wonderful.

Summoning courage, Xiao Wei raised his head and met Xiao Cheng's scrutinizing gaze. "Sister-in-law is really good to you."

Xiao Cheng naturally knew that Bai Lu treated him well when he was drunk; it's just that he didn't know the limits of that tolerance.

"How good is she?"

This... Xiao Wei hesitated in answering.

Isn't it already good enough for his big brother, who could tolerate unreasonable antics? Why would there be a question of "how good"?

If it were their parents, they would have been in a fierce argument long ago.

If it were Chen Chunli, she would have started a fight directly.

Xiao Wei thought for a long time but couldn't figure out how to answer this question to satisfy his big brother.

He could only recall while stating the facts, "On your birthday, when you were drunk and wanted Sister-in-law to shave your head, she never shaved before, didn't know how, and you insisted. You even threw a tantrum."

"But Sister-in-law shaved it for you."

Xiao Wei touched his own recently grown short hair while daring to glance at Xiao Cheng's head.

It was the same; his sister-in-law's skills were really good.

Xiao Cheng knew that his bald hairstyle was given by Bai Lu, but he didn't know exactly how it happened.

Leaning back in his chair with a casual attitude, he smiled faintly, "Continue."

Speaking softly, Xiao Wei said, "You kissed Sister-in-law in front of everyone."

As soon as this was said, it instantly triggered a nerve that had been dormant in Xiao Cheng. His eyes fixed on Xiao Wei.

"How did she react?"

Xiao Wei, scared by his big brother's suddenly intense gaze, was at a loss and weakly said, "No reaction."

Xiao Cheng frowned slightly, his gaze turning more intense.

Xiao Wei held up three fingers to assure, "Sister-in-law really had no reaction, just froze for a moment and then smiled."

Xiao Cheng also froze for a moment, the corner of his mouth slightly lifted. His sharp gaze turned into emptiness.

Xiao Wei felt that his big brother might have misunderstood.

What he said was on his big brother's birthday when everyone was sitting at the same table. His big brother kissed Sister-in-law's hand.

At that moment, Sister-in-law froze for a moment, and then, under the encouragement of Shiliu Ge, Hao Ge, and Da Zhuang Ge, she laughed it off.

But now, his big brother, with a more pleasant smile than usual, seemed to have misunderstood.

Xiao Wei hesitated whether to explain or not.

"Alright, go back to sleep." Although giving the order to leave, big brother's tone was unprecedentedly good.

Xiao Wei's mood instantly improved. Silently picking up his textbooks and workbooks, he walked back to his room under the moonlight.

Big brother and sister-in-law are a couple, and these small misunderstandings should be fine; no need to explain.

The night was calm, the wind gentle.

Xiao Cheng pushed open the door, walked in lightly, saw the test paper full of answers on the table near the window, and couldn't help sighing.

She said she wouldn't study, and she really didn't study.

She kept her word.

Xiao Cheng looked at Bai Lu, who was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He slowly reached out, held her hand that was outside the blanket, and felt the warmth between his fingers.

Her hand, like a person's, gentle as water, soothing everything with its silent warmth.

The warmth from the tightly clasped fingers transmitted to his heart. Xiao Cheng held it for a long time before putting her hand back under the blanket, releasing it, and pulling up the blanket.

Getting up and leaving.

"Mom..."

The word that the girl couldn't forget echoed again, sounding particularly helpless in the empty room.

Xiao Cheng's footsteps paused.

Before exposing the false pregnancy, she called him a few times in his arms, with joy, relaxation, and yearning in her voice.

When she woke up, she didn't see her go to find Li Xuelan.

Xiao Cheng gently closed the door.

Returning to the bedside, he held the girl's hand that was once again outside the blanket, softly calling, "LuLu."

As usual, when the girl heard the call, her frowning brows gradually relaxed. But this time, it was different.

The tightly closed eyes shed a tear.

Xiao Cheng saw Bai Lu cry for the first time, a bit at a loss. He raised his fingers to wipe away the wetness at the corner of her eyes but was burned by the second tear that fell, scalding his palm.

Panic-stricken, he patted her back gently, comforting her.

"Don't be afraid, LuLu."

"I'm here."

In his arms, as the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh tears were soothed, they fell from the corners of her eyes back into the depths of her eyes.

...

Early in the morning, a knocking sound rang out.

Wang Cuihua, seeing that it was Xiao Wei who opened the door, hurriedly asked, "Where are Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu?"

Xiao Wei, swallowing the last dumpling, spoke slowly, "Having breakfast."

"Still not done?" Wang Cuihua looked worried.

Xiao Wei, unhurried, turned his head to look at the clock in the main house and reported, "Six thirty-five."

"It's not even seven yet. Why are you here so early?"

Wang Cuihua, afraid of being discovered, quickly looked around the surroundings. Seeing no suspicious figures, she whispered to Xiao Wei, "I came to buy an electric chestnut roaster."

Xiao Wei, who had heard the excited buying frenzy in the kitchen yesterday afternoon, also heard Bai Lu refusing to sell.

"Big sister-in-law said she won't sell."

Wang Cuihua wanted to go inside but was stopped by Xiao Wei. He suddenly turned pitiful, "Let me in. Let me tell Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu about your hardship. You can't fry so many chestnuts alone."

Xiao Wei had seen Bai Lu fry a lot of chestnuts, and Bai Lu never complained about hardship or exhaustion. Wang Cuihua, who said it was too hard and tiring after frying a little, was really weak.

Really had to be hit: "At the beginning, there was no electric chestnut roaster. Big sister-in-law also fried them manually and fried several times more than you sell. She never said it was hard. You just fried a bit and said it's hard. If it's hard, don't sell."

A little kid with a big brother style in speaking.

Hearing that, just finished breakfast and came out, Bai Lu laughed, "Xiao Wei is right. If you want to make money, you have to put in some effort. You can only sell as much as you can fry."

Wang Cuihua, upon seeing Bai Lu, immediately became pitiful, "I practiced for a long time last night. It's really easy to burn sugar-fried chestnuts. It's too wasteful of chestnuts. The electric chestnut roaster won't burn them, and it's not hard at all. Please sell it to me before everyone else comes."



























Chapter 200: Big Brother's Protective Umbrella

Yesterday, when everyone mentioned buying an electric stir-fry machine, Xiao Cheng's face turned so ugly that it seemed he could kill someone.

Today, Wang Cuihua dared to come and buy again. Bai Lu admired her courage but remained firm: "Not for sale."

"If you don't sell it to me, are you planning to sell it to someone else? Bai Lu, how can you be so biased?"

Wang Cuihua looked heartbroken: "My husband Ah Biao and Big Brother Xiao Cheng are brothers. Logically, I'm the closest to you. How can you sell the electric chestnut roaster to someone else? This is unfair..."

In her desperate attempt to buy the electric chestnut roaster, Wang Cuihua played every card she had, including the sibling card.

In the end, she was still rejected by Bai Lu.

Frustrated, she was on the verge of tears.

As soon as she saw Xiao Cheng coming out, she couldn't hold back any longer: "Big Brother Xiao Cheng..."

Wang Cuihua, with her face full of makeup and flushed cheeks, shed two tears, looking pitiful.

Bai Lu finally opened the door; otherwise, the passing neighbors would think she was bullying someone.

Unexpectedly, as soon as the door opened, Xiao Cheng, who was originally walking out, stopped in his tracks.

Without even coming over, he asked from a distance, "What's the matter?"

If it weren't for the fact that Wang Cuihua was the last one to speak, she wouldn't believe that Xiao Cheng was talking to her.

Waiting for her to walk over on her own, surely that's what he intended.

Bai Lu and Xiao Wei sympathized with Wang Cuihua's courage. Xiao Cheng's impatience was evident, yet she dared to approach and complain.

Indeed, before she could get close to the dangerous three-meter zone, she was sternly interrupted by the big brother: "Speak if you have something to say."

Wang Cuihua thought she must not have shed enough tears, as Xiao Cheng hadn't seen her crying. She forgot even to console her and went straight to the point.

Suddenly, tears burst out like a fountain. Wang Cuihua, crying and pitiful, extended her reddened hand.

"Big Brother Xiao Cheng, roasting chestnuts is too hard. I practiced for a long time last night, and my hands are all red..."

"With so many chestnuts to roast every day, continuously flipping them will surely wear out my hands. How can I cook and do laundry later? Big Brother Xiao Cheng, you're not selling chestnuts now, and it's a waste to leave the electric chestnut roaster idle. Just give it to me..."

She went from buying to directly asking.

Bai Lu and Xiao Wei exchanged glances, simultaneously seeing the three words "no shame" in each other's eyes.

As they exchanged a knowing look, they turned their eyes to the cold and stern big brother.

Xiao Cheng impatience had accumulated into a mountain in his eyes, and it seemed ready to explode into tons of cold knives.

But the surprised voice from outside the door stole the show: "Wang Cuihua, are you going crazy so early in the morning?"

This novel way of greeting made Wang Cuihua forget about her tears instantly. Who else but Chen Dafu.

Bai Lu and Xiao Wei smelled gunpowder in the air.

Without saying a word, they took elegant and swift steps, quickly walking to Xiao Cheng's side to watch the drama.

Xiao Cheng's impatience gradually disappeared.

"You're the one going crazy!" Wang Cuihua suddenly had a tear cut-off, unable to squeeze any more out, and angrily scolded Chen Dafu.

Chen Dafu took a big step back to avoid getting splashed by Wang Cuihua's spit, and then logically and justifiably said, "Crazy people cry and wail early in the morning with heavy makeup on. Yesterday Bai Lu already said it's not for sale, and yet you insist on running over so early to buy the electric chestnut roaster."

Wang Cuihua, embarrassed, gasped for breath and accused Chen Dafu, "You came so early just to buy the electric chestnut roaster. Who are you to criticize me?"

"I came to see who's going crazy to buy the electric chestnut roaster."

"You're the crazy one!"

"People going crazy cry and howl like ghosts and wolves early in the morning."

"Ugly duckling, you're too much!"

"Crazy people are called beggars."

Bai Lu is a very generous person; she won't laugh at others early in the morning. She hides behind Xiao Cheng to avoid being seen.

As long as she doesn't make a sound, it's not considered laughing.

Xiao Wei is not generous. After laughing, he immediately covers his mouth, fearing to be rewarded with a cold knife by his big brother.

He decisively hides behind and unifies the front with Bai Lu, tilting his little head to watch the intense battle.

Xiao Cheng became the protective umbrella.

Originally, he was annoyed by the noisy quarrel, wanting to drive them away. But in the hidden laughter and breath behind him, he stopped repeatedly.

Chen Dafu and Wang Cuihua are sworn enemies, born rivals, always arguing whenever they meet.

Tang Fu and others have arrived but haven't stopped the argument.

Everyone greeted Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, started assigning seats, figuring out who would ride in each truck.

Before leaving yesterday, Xiao Cheng asked Yu Fugui and others to rent trucks from the brick factory to transport the chestnut boards.

The small three-wheeler had a small cargo capacity, obviously not the best choice. Relying on Xiao Cheng's face, Yu Fugui and others rented trucks from the brick factory but didn't know how to drive them. They had to hire drivers to transport the goods.

The whole convoy on the Ten Sales Road had only the partners from Lu Shi's three sales routes who knew how to drive the trucks. The others couldn't drive and had to bring the drivers along.

Chen Dafu and Wang Cuihua were not invited.

Wang Cuihua bought all the remaining chestnut boards from Bai Lu, so she didn't need to buy more for a short time. She just needed to place an order.

The truck rented by Chen Dafu was driven by Xiao Cheng, and he was assigned to compete with others.

Of course, the truck rented by Chen Dafu would also transport the chestnuts he bought from the countryside, and Xiao Cheng would bring them back when he came.

People and trucks were assigned, and Chen Dafu and Wang Cuihua were still arguing, seemingly unwilling to stop until a clear victory or defeat was determined.

Xiao Wei had already gone to school.

Everyone was about to set off for Xiao's village.

Bai Lu knocked on the door with the key. Inside, the two didn't seem to hear or were too engrossed in their argument, showing no response.

"I'm going to lock the door."

Saying that, she reached out to close the door.

Wang Cuihua and Chen Dafu "whooshed" out of the door, colliding at the entrance.

Out the door, the quarrel continued without stopping.

Bai Lu locked the door and stepped onto the brick truck Xiao Cheng had driven to the door. Just about to close the door, a hand reached over.

"Bai Lu, I want to ride with you guys."

Seeing Bai Lu getting on Xiao Cheng's truck, Wang Cuihua, who had no intention of continuing the argument, rushed over to compete for the ride.

She also wanted to ride with Xiao Cheng.

"Xiao Wei has gone to school. Can I ride with you this time? I'm not fat, and I can sit with you."

Xiao Cheng took a white blanket and covered Bai Lu: "Your sister-in-law didn't sleep well last night; she wants to rest today."

Bai Lu, feeling a little lost, sniffed the blanket on her body and yawned: "So sleepy. I need to take a nap. If I fall asleep, my legs will kick randomly. If I accidentally kick you out of the car, it'll be dangerous. You better sit in another car."

Wang Cuihua chose to ignore Xiao Cheng's address, looking at Bai Lu with concern: "The mountain road to the countryside is so bumpy. If you fall asleep, you'll hit the car door. Why don't I get on and support you?"

"No need."

Bai Lu smiled and declined: "I like leaning on Ah cheng when I sleep. His shoulder gives a sense of security."

Xiao Cheng tapped the fingertips holding the steering wheel rhythmically, and his mouth slightly curled.

Not very noticeable, but enough for Wang Cuihua to see clearly.